Jump to content

MACHINE Demo Putters


choeppner

Recommended Posts

Mine arrived Wednesday and when I opened the box I just about fainted. It's gorgeous! My wife even commented on the face milling and overall quality and for her to take any interest at all in a golf club is a very big deal!

 

I've tried just about every combination of backs at least three times and can not decide which I like the most. Only used is on the Boomerang in the basement so far but plan on getting it on a real green tomorrow weather permiting.

 

Oh, and for those interested in weight combinations, I've had this one all the way from a D6 to an F1 swing weight. I am keeping lots of notes and will try to post some pictues and a review in a few days if I can lay it down long enough.

 

Chris, thanks again for puting this program together and let me know who the lucky person is that I am to send it to when I'm finished in about a month. Just kidding!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 73
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I was very excited to take part in this demo program, having spent countless hours drooling over the Art and Prototypes from about a year ago. Thanks to Machine- Chris, Doug, Dave- for the opportunity.

 

Quick context on the reviewer. I play (statistically) off a 1.2 GHIN. My stroke is solid, and a gate stroke. I game a Scotty Circle T Newport Beach 1.5 neck, 350 grams, 1 degree flat at 34 inches. Love this putter, although I fear for theft every time I game it or play away.

 

I got the Machine M2A Converter in a neatly packed Fed Ex box. The first thing that I did was to I pull out the sheet that has all of the components listed- fat back, blade back, and tongue back, and all of the weights / screws. Before touching a thing, I got a calculator. The end game was to come up with 3 or so different versions of a 350-365 gram head using the pieces. I got the calculator and came up with the following combinations (and reviewed each one)

 

__Combo 1: Standard Blade Set Up__

 

Head (247)+ Neck (42) + Blade Back (44) + 2 ¾ Tungsten weights (15) + 2 ¾ Steel (7) = 355 grams

 

__Combo 2: Fat Back__

 

Head (247) + Neck + (42)+ Fat Back (89) = 378 grams

 

__Combo 3: Tongue Back__

 

Head (247) + Neck (42) + Tongue Back (70) + 2 ¾ Steel (7) = 366 grams

 

 

*Craftmanship:

 

The look of the Machine is of.. well.. a Machine. The pieces are incredibly well made and the finishes, curves, etc are extremely high quality. Paint fill looks great and the milling is pristine. When you put the pieces in their places, everything “lines up” which to me shows that the tolerances are very tight. The finishes match perfectly, and the putter is very much serious business.

 

In addition to the putter itself, the accessory bags / tools / head cover are first class. AME made, cool logos, and reasonable sizes given what is in them. I would suggest going with the smaller assembly tool rather than the long one as it is easier to use and hold in the bags.

 

*Feel and Performance:

 

Before I review the combos, let me talk a little about the VMG grooves. As I said, my gamer is a Scotty Cameron Circle T 1.5 Newport Beach. It has milling marks on the front, but the Machine has MILLING MARKS. They do not look or feel like the C Groove on a YES putter but feel far more functional that those or something like the AGSI inserts. I felt that a major portion of the roll performance that I got from the various combos was attributable to the VMG milling- not just cool looking, but seemed to promote better over spin and roll.

 

*Assembly:

 

With some planning, assembly is a no brainer. You just need to know what you are trying to build. This is not a set of Legos, but a finely crafted set of pieces that when put together can do some cool stuff. If you rush it, you will get frustrated. After having Machine send me a new 2 prong bit (the one I got was broken), I proceeded to break the new one in about 5 minutes when I over-torqued a weight.

 

__Reviews:

 

When doing the review of each combo, I looked at three things:

 

1. Looks- how the combo suited my eye

2. “Dead Center” Feel- striking a putt dead center in the sweet spot, both short and long

3. “Off Center” Feel- striking a putt off the toe to deaden the putt (e.g. as might be used for slick down hill putt)

 

__Combo 1: Standard Blade__

 

Intuitively, I thought that this would be my “go to” set up as it was the most similar to what I game.

 

Looks: 9/10

 

Set up is clean, putter looks like it was built this way, not assembled this way. Pulls off the Anser look but adds some cleaner lines to the tried and true formula.

 

Dead Center Feel: 9/10

 

The rolls that I put on this putter are fantastic. Seem to grab and roll with little to no hop off the face. Contact is crispy soft- not “clicky” like an Odyssey Black Series / Cameron Studio but not mushy like some insert putters. It was very close to my Circle T and the end over end roll was very impressive. No change in performance for short or long putts- all rock solid.

 

Off Center Feel: 10/10

 

The putter allowed me to “take something off of it” when I needed to in order to moderate speed. It still felt steady and responsive.

 

Overall Combo: 28/30

 

__Combo 2: Fat Back__

 

This putter plays almost exactly like Combo 1, with two notable exceptions. The larger flange inspired more visual confidence and the stroke felt smoother due to where the mass is positioned from the Fat Back.

 

Looks: 10/10

 

Set up is clean, putter looks like it was built this way, not assembled this way. Longer flange makes it look like a game improvement / High MOI putter without any of the crazy stuff. I could easily see myself using this attachment when I lost confidence in the standard blade.

 

Dead Center Feel: 9/10

 

Very similar to Combo 1 with the exception of the impression that the Fat Back promotes a feeling of rolling the weight over the ball, not into the ball. Roll was pure- although distance control was a little tougher on the long putts.

 

Off Center Feel: 8/10

 

I had a hard time “take something off of it” when I needed to. This was probably a function of all of the mass behind the ball across the entire face (it was also the heaviest combo). Then again, I could probably just stroke it lighter but that would require a technique change, not equipment.

 

Overall Combo: 27/30

 

__Combo 3: Tongue Back__

 

This putter is the best of both worlds- looks like a blade, but has the Tongue to give you the “2 Ball” effect. This one has Gamer potential.

 

Looks: 9/10

 

Set up is great- the diameter of the Tongue and the fact that the heel and the toe look like a classic Blade is a fantastic look. I could easily see myself using this attachment.

 

Dead Center Feel: 10/10

 

Very similar to Combo 2. Still a feeling of rolling the weight over the ball, not into the ball. Only difference is that the weight is more “controllable”. Roll was pure- no change in performance for short or long putts- all rock solid. Best feeling of all three for Dead Center hits.

 

Off Center Feel: 10/10

 

This combo gave me exactly what I got with the standard blade- I felt that the speed could be regulated by hitting it off the toe. Very well done.

 

Overall Combo: 29/30

 

__Overall “Overall’ Review:__

 

This is finely crafted set of putting tools that puts together some great combinations with patience.

 

When put together, it looks as if the pieces were meant for each other- and feel absolutely rock solid in virtually any combination. The Machine M2A Converter provides a unique option where you can get your “base” set- head shape, materials, neck- and then experiment from there- without having to buy another flat stick. Even when you go for some of the options- and Machine has some of the coolest like melted bumpers and hand peening, etc- the price comes no where close to what I paid for my Circle T. Machine does a great job at the complete package- Head, Neck, Attachments, and Accessories- which in my mind puts it in elite class of putter craftsmen (none of which currently provide this creative of a set up)

 

I am grateful to have participated in this Demo program- and even more excited to get to work on my order form for my new Machine. I plan to add one to the arsenal- and based on the early feedback, it has a real shot at being the gamer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first thing that I did was to I pull out the sheet that has all of the components listed- fat back, blade back, and tongue back, and all of the weights / screws.

 

 

Doh!!!!! I didn't bother to turn the sheet over after reading the nice letter from David Billings. The first thing I did was grab the digital scale and weigh everything. What an idiot I am! Curious about a couple of the weights you listed though. The fat back is listed as 89 grams and mine is 80 and your tongue back is 70 which is the same as mine. Did you get the solid head or the South Beach version? I assumed mine was the South Beach as all of the back options were the lighter ones.

 

Oh, and did you sneak in and read my notes? Nice review and one that will be tough to top.

 

I'm taking my demo to the course tomorrow for an 18 hole test drive. More to follow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first thing that I did was to I pull out the sheet that has all of the components listed- fat back, blade back, and tongue back, and all of the weights / screws.

 

 

Doh!!!!! I didn't bother to turn the sheet over after reading the nice letter from David Billings. The first thing I did was grab the digital scale and weigh everything. What an idiot I am! Curious about a couple of the weights you listed though. The fat back is listed as 89 grams and mine is 80 and your tongue back is 70 which is the same as mine. Did you get the solid head or the South Beach version? I assumed mine was the South Beach as all of the back options were the lighter ones.

 

Oh, and did you sneak in and read my notes? Nice review and one that will be tough to top.

 

I'm taking my demo to the course tomorrow for an 18 hole test drive. More to follow.

 

I wish I had the digital scale- I felt like I got a new Erector set when I opened this up. I was going purely off of the sheet- and got the solid version of the head..

 

Great putter- lots of fun to work with and a great roll..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Michael,

 

We'll get you one with the SBC mailed out to you so you can see what your thoughts are on that.

 

Also, I would like to thank all the Demo Participants so far. Using the feedback we have recieved from yall we have moved to a lower Strength Thread Locker for the weights, this will make them easier to change out while still keeping them secure. We have also redesigned the Dual Prong Bit to be more durable and stronger and to prevent breaking.

 

Much Appreciated, and I can't wait to continue to hear more members feedback as the Demo Program Continues.

 

Thanks

 

-Chris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never read such in-depth reviews on any other putter... they border on the fanatical concerning the 'nuts and bolts' aspects while remaining objective and "kool aid free" about performance. What a testament to Dave's efforts and the putters that inspire such reactions.

Honma Beres 10.5*
Jones/Ortiz 4 wood 17*
Adams Idea Black CB2 irons 26, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45*
Callaway MD3 S grind 52, 56, C grind 60, PM grind 64*
Tom Slighter Custom Needle 450g, 3* loft, 74* lie (2006)
Tom Slighter Needle 360g, 4* loft, 72* lie (2012, backup)
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I opened the box and saw that thing I was in awe of the craftsmanship. I am somewhat of a traditionalist so this putter has a bit too much going on for me. I'm sure for some the interchangeable weights is a fun thing to tinker with, but just like the R7 SuperQuad I had, it was just a distraction for me. The putter is beautifully crafted and I can definitely see myself buying one if I can get a one piece design. No interchangeable flanges, weights or whatnot. With the backs and weights I just couldn't seem to get this putter light enough. My Byron Dale Head is extremely light which I prefer, and the Machine demo I have can't come close with either flange installed. I even putted without a flange, which suited me best. The darn thing is super long too. I putt with a 33" putter and this thing is more like 35 which is standard I suppose, but too long for me to get a confident feel when I putt the ball. Anyhow, I love the craftsmanship, it is stunning to look at which is enough for me to consider putting one in my bag. It breeds confidence which piques my interest...I just wish I had one that set up for my stroke so I could give a more in depth critique or it's performance.

 

If I give you the specs from my Byron Dale Head can you make a one piece head similar in weight and set up?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello,

 

Thanks for the review. We went with 35" as that is market standard. I know some use shorter and some longer, but we went with the most common length.

 

What is the weight of the Dale Head? We can make you one without any weights or adjustable flanges. They are called the M1A Fixer's.

 

Thanks

 

-Chris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...